Two Pantone Colors of the Year are better than one

For 2016, there isn’t just one “it color,” there are two.

In an unprecedented move, color experts at the Pantone Color Institute, the arbiters of color and trendsetters for fashion and home decor color trends, decided on a one-two punch when it was time to announce the much-anticipated Pantone Color of the Year. As such, we will soon find rose quartz (a muted pink) and serenity (a powder blue) everywhere from runway fashions to home furnishings.

The gender-neutral home

You may consider pink and blue an unlikely pair. Often pink is considered to be a more feminine color, and blue, more masculine. The decision to select both is said to be symbolic of gender blending in society.

Apply this to home decor, and that means using these colors in your home can allow you to create a living space that is essentially gender-neutral.

Blending, combining and layering

Instead of using a single color throughout, think of either blending rose quartz and serenity or using a single color with a neutral base color such as black, taupe, white or charcoal gray and perhaps using the other Pantone color as an accent.

In general, one of the easiest ways to use color successfully is to start with a neutral palette and layer color. For example, begin with a neutral base, perhaps a primary piece of furniture such as a sofa or chair, and then build your color palette by adding accessories and accents.

Some of the best ways to incorporate the Pantone colors into your existing colors will be through the use of accessories such as vases, trays, lacquered boxes, artwork and even coffee-table books. Also, don’t forget simple touches. Even a pink peony in a small vase would blend beautifully in a serenity-blue room.

Pretty in pink

Pink has been on trend for quite some time. From soft hues to hot pink, it remains a dominating force in home decor.

Pink is not a feminine color, but truly gender-neutral. Consider how nice a lovely men’s pink cashmere sweater or pink tie looks. And rose quartz is a perfect color to blend with brighter, bolder colors.

Because of its soft and soothing qualities, it will help tame the others. Some great colors to pair with it include charcoal gray, white and black.

A versatile blue hue

Soothing and fabulous, serenity is just like a great black dress — you can dress it up or down.

The shade is both on trend and timeless. As a result, you can use it in nearly every room of the house. One room you may not have thought of is the kitchen. These days, many people look for ways to spice up their kitchens, and color is a very effective tool.

Meanwhile, for other rooms of the home, there is nothing more soothing than a blue bathroom or bedroom.

This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 11:04 AM with the headline "Two Pantone Colors of the Year are better than one."